Child’s Distressing Call Leads Police to Tragic Discovery
A chilling 911 call placed by a 4-year-old girl in Portland, Oregon, on July 19 led police to a devastating crime scene. According to investigators, the child reported that her father had killed her mother. Moments later, the suspect himself allegedly phoned dispatchers, stating he had stabbed “a loved one” but was unsure if she was still alive.
When officers arrived, they found 24-year-old Neilyann Ysam dead from multiple stab wounds inside a relative’s home. Police identified her husband, S. Mate Joseph, 28, as the suspect. He had reportedly fled the scene before authorities arrived.
Victim Had Sought Refuge from Alleged Abuse
According to court documents, Ysam and her five young children had recently relocated from Washington state to Oregon. She had moved in with her aunt in Portland to escape what investigators described as years of domestic abuse at the hands of Joseph.
Neighbors expressed shock and sadness at the killing. Annalee Dickinson, who lived next door, told local media, “It’s just terrifying to know that they had to witness something like that. Those kids will carry this for the rest of their lives.”
Children Present During Attack
Police confirmed that Ysam’s five children, all under the age of six, were inside the home at the time of the attack. None were physically harmed. Following the incident, the children were placed in the care of relatives.
Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Brian Davidson called the case deeply disturbing. “It’s a horrific thing for any child to witness violence, let alone the murder of a parent. You can’t overstate how devastating that is,” he told reporters.
Suspect Arrested Across State Lines
Authorities launched a manhunt for Joseph immediately after the incident. He was apprehended three hours later in Clark County, Washington. According to the Portland Police Bureau, he was booked on charges of Burglary in the First Degree and Murder in the Second Degree – Domestic Violence. He has since been extradited to Multnomah County Jail.
Prior History of Violence
Court records reviewed by reporters reveal that this was not the first time Joseph had been accused of abusing Ysam. In 2019, while the couple lived in Vancouver, Washington, Joseph allegedly assaulted her in a parking lot while she was pregnant. Witnesses reported seeing Ysam “barefoot, screaming, and crying” as she tried to escape.
That case also involved Joseph’s teenage brother, who confronted bystanders with a knife after they called police. The teen was fatally shot by officers after refusing to drop the weapon, a case later ruled justified. Joseph himself was subdued with a taser and later pleaded guilty to assault and harassment charges. He served 11 days in jail and was issued a no-contact order.
At the time of Ysam’s murder, Joseph also had an outstanding DUI case in Multnomah County. He missed a scheduled court appearance because he was in custody for the homicide.
Community Reacts to Tragedy
The killing has left the local community shaken, particularly those who knew Ysam and her children. Advocates for domestic violence survivors say the case highlights the dangers victims face when attempting to leave abusive relationships.
“It’s one of the most dangerous times for a survivor,” said one Portland-based domestic violence counselor. “Leaving an abuser often escalates the risk of lethal violence. This case is a heartbreaking reminder of why support systems and protective measures are so critical.”
Resources for Domestic Violence Victims
Law enforcement officials and victim advocates stress the importance of seeking help in situations of domestic violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 or via thehotline.org. Assistance is offered in more than 170 languages, and all calls are confidential.
Ongoing Investigation
The Portland Police Bureau has confirmed that the investigation into Ysam’s death remains ongoing. Detectives are reviewing past incidents involving the couple, as well as gathering further evidence to build the prosecution’s case against Joseph.
While justice moves forward in the courts, the tragedy has left five children without their mother and a community grappling with the consequences of domestic violence.
Sources: TMZ
